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The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is set to convene its 25th General Assembly, which will mark a significant milestone for the global tourism industry.

The UNWTO recognised for its pivotal role in navigating the tourism sector through unprecedented crises, is receiving acclaim from both international organisations and industry leaders. This years general assembly couldn’t come at more critical time as the global tourism industry seeks to recover and transform its challenges.

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations emphasised the crucial role the UNWTO plays in shaping the future of global tourism, stating, “Tourism brings progress. As one of the biggest sectors in the global economy, it has great power to bridge cultures, generate new opportunities and promote sustainable development. But tourism is also impacted by interlinked global challenges. I know that we can count on UNTWO to carry this vision forward and together, build a better future, for people and planet.”

The event is expected to attract delegates and ministers from over 150 countries converging on Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 18 to 19, 2023.

Sustainable development

Every two years, UNWTO’s general assembly becomes the nexus for discussions, policy deliberations and decision-making that guide the organisations programme of work.

This year’s assembly aims to tackle the most pressing issue facing tourism, such as sustainable development, post pandemic recovery and adapting to the evolving travel landscape. Rebecca Grynspan, secretary-general of the United Nations conference on trade and development (UNCTAD), said they will continue working with UNWTO so that tourism, which is a tool for economic development, will not be overstated.

“The significance of tourism as a tool for economic development cannot be overstated. The Member States of UNWTO are admirably working to transform tourism and build a more resilient and sustainable sector,” she said.

This General Assembly will not only set the agenda for the future for tourism, but also underline the importance of international cooperation and commitment to making tourism more sustainable, equitable and responsive to emerging global challenges.

“Tourism around the world has rebounded strongly from the devastating effects of Covid-19. However, amidst this discovery we must not forget the lessons of the pandemic nor ignore the global challenges our economies and societies continue to face.

“There is no better place to do so than the uniquely diverse gathering of global tourism leaders across the public, private, non-profit, and academic sectors, that personify the UNWTO General Assembly,” Said Margaritis Schinas (European Commission Vice-President).

Juan Carlos Salazar Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) appreciated the new technologies for their shared commitments to innovation, collaboration and entrepreneship, he added how UNWTO and ICAO will always continue to leverage the full potential of global tourism growth in order to empower the future generation with high-value jobs and also lead other industries sectors.